We bring Innovativeness to The University of Akron through visibility, presence, advocacy, empowerment, engagement and voice of graduate
students in purposeful matters and student’s activities on the University campus through research, programs, networks and partnerships.
The GSG Newsletter
Spring Edition
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
GSG Welcomes All Graduate Students!!!
The officers of Graduate Student Government (GSG) would like to extend a warm welcome to all new and returning graduate
students of The University of Akron. GSG is an umbrella organization of all the graduate student groups and individuals at the
University of Akron. The organization seeks the welfare and unity of all graduate students at the university no matter their
background or diversity. Our mission for the 2012/2013 Academic Year is to increase visibility, presence, advocacy and engagement
of graduate students in purposeful matters and students activities on the University campus through programs, networks and
connections, and collaboration towards the University of Akron’s Vision 2020. In achieving these goals, we have put together various
programs and policies including the Annual Social Engagement Program with the School’s Administrators, leadership summits, travel
funding support policies and campus-wide meetings to give opportunities to students to make their voice known.
As you go through the year, we humbly request that you actively participate in all programs and activities that will give voice to
graduate students on campus. In the content of this newsletter, you will find previews of the services provided by GSG and events to
look forward to on campus. Thank you very much.
UA Pride All Day, Every Day! Welcome to The University of Akron!!!
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Celebrating our Speakers and Sponsors
Dr. Luis M. Proenza
President
Dr. William Mike Sherman
Provost
Dr. George R. Newkome
VP for Research & Dean of the Graduate School
Lee A. Gill, J.D
Assoc VP Inclusion
& Equity/CDO
Denine M. Rocco
Associate Vice President and
Dean of Students
Jim Tressel
VP of Strategic Engagement
Dr. Mark B. Tausig
Professor & Associate Dean of the
Graduate School
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Message from the President
Love is patient, love is kind; it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud; it is not rude, it is not selfseeking, it is not easily angered, it is keeps no record of wrongs; Love does not delight in evil but rejoices
with the truth; Love always protects, always trusts, always hopes and always persevere; Love never fails.
~1 Corinthians 13:4-8 (NIV Bible) ~
On behalf of the Executive Board, I wish to congratulate you for a successful completion of the 2012 fall
semester and to also welcome you to the spring semester, 2013. As you know, The Graduate Student
Government (GSG), in recent times has made tremendous strides in representing, engaging, and
advocating student issues to the University administrators. GSG has also experienced the reawaking of
student’s involvements through programming, empowerment, networking and partnerships. Added to this,
GSG has also been able to create an environment for student to network and collaborate on issues of
leadership, career choices, academics, research, entrepreneurship and many others.
A few highlights of significant achievements experienced so far include:
 Negotiated some form of arrangements for installment payments of the Student Health Insurance this semester. Students in extreme
difficulties are given opportunities to use their stipends and other sources of income to pay for their health insurance over an agreed
period of time. Aside from that, plans are also far advanced to commence “Full Installment Payment System” in fall of 2013.
 Successfully hosted the Annual Graduate Students’ Social Engagement with the School’s Administrators. Overall about 200 students
were in attendance including the leadership of the University.
 Initiated the First Leadership Symposium with The University of Akron President –Dr. Luis M Proenza. About 60 people
overwhelming participated.
 Send a delegation of Four students to the 26th Annual National Association of Graduate Professional and Student (NAGPS) National
Conference at Duke University, Durham, NC
 Allocated travel grants to more than 100 individuals and students groups; 5 student organization with project funds and 4 students
groups with operating funds to augment their graduate activities. We also approved several blended and new graduate students’
organizations.
 Videotaped every programming to upload on our websites. We also update the website regularly with new information.
 Appointed a secretary to help create a listsev to connect all graduate organizations and departments with GSG
 Enforced a more friendly collaboration with our undergraduate student’s counterparts.
 Fostered a closer relations with the University’s administrators particularly, the president, provost, the vice presidents, our deans and
advisors. We have received tremendous support from our advisors –Dr. Newkome, Dr. Tausig and Dean Rocco.
You will concur with me that a lot has been achieved but we expect to do more. Please be on the alert for the following activities:
 Our 2nd Leadership Symposium is set to take off with Jim Tressel on February, 22, 2013.
 Election of new leaders will be conducted.
 A special handing over ceremony with the undergraduate student government
 Open dialogue seminar with some successful personalities in the society
 Joint community and voluntary services in the Akron areas
 Approve more travel, project and operating Grants to qualified individuals, groups and students organizations.
 Advocate for an increase in budget to sponsor more graduate activities on campus.
As a concluding remark, I encourage you all to take your research and graduate studies seriously. Strive to generate new ideas to create
opportunities for the next generations. Let us continue to stay united and tolerate our differences in every walk of life. In fact, by staying
and working together, we nurture our values and provide opportunities for our successes and achievements. As you travel the journey of
success and prosperity, I want you to guard yourselves with these profound quotes: “Honesty is a very expensive gift; do not expect it from
cheap people” (Warren Buffett); and “Leave this world better than it was when you got here” (Stephen .R. Covey). Wishing you a
prosperous New Year and a wonderful spring semester!!!
Chris Opoku- Agyeman
President, GSG
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Advisors’ Corner
Office of the Vice President for Research
and Dean of the Graduate School
Akron, OH 44325-4717
(330) 972-6458 Office
(330) 972-2368 Fax
Welcome UA Graduate Students!
I would like to take a brief moment to welcome all new
and returning UA Graduate Students to The University of
Akron. As graduate students, you have chosen to further
your education in the hopes of better preparing yourself to
meet the needs of an ever-changing and demanding world.
Please know that your Graduate Student Government
(GSG) understands that they are here to advocate on your
behalf and provide a voice for the concerns and issues that affect our graduate students.
Over time, as our University has flourished, the role of the GSG has broadened to address the needs of our
graduate students more sufficiently. In addition to advocacy, under the leadership of Chris Opoku-Agyeman, the
GSG is now branching out to attract more student involvement, provide more opportunity for student
engagement in campus life and activities as well as implement changes in policies and procedures for the benefit
of fellow graduate students. I am sure that you have noticed that the normal daily routine and life of a graduate
student is somewhat different than that of an undergraduate; however, this does not mean that opportunities to
engage in student life and network with fellow students are any less abundant.
I encourage all of you to take an active role in working with your graduate student government. They are here to
assist you, listen to you, and advocate for you. In return, they need your support to do those things to the best of
their ability. I wish you all the very best in this upcoming year.
With best regards, I remain sincerely,
George R. Newkome, Ph.D.
Vice President for Research and Dean, Graduate School
Oelschlager Professor of Science and Technology
Professor of Polymer Science and Chemistry
ADVISORS
Denine M. Rocco
Associate VP for Engagement
& Dean of Students
Dr. Mark B. Tausig
Professor & Associate Dean of
the Graduate School
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Graduate Student Organizations & Activities
Graduate Student Organizations
Getting involved is an excellent way to develop professional
experience and demonstrate leadership to future employers.
Here is a list of graduate student organizations on campus:



















Chemical and Biomolecular Graduate Student Association
Chi Sigma Iota – Alpha Epsilon
Counseling Psychology Graduate Student Organization
Diversity Dialogues
E-Docs
Graduate Nursing Student Organization
Graduate Student Business Association
Industrial / Organizational Psychology Graduate Club
(continued)
International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers
Master of Social Work Student Association
National Sexuality Resource Center – Akron Chapter
Polymer Engineering Student Organization
Polymer Science Student Organization
Public Administration and Urban Studies Student
Association
Society for the Advancement of Marriage and Family
Counseling / Therapy
Society of Akron English Scholars
Sociologists for Women in Society
Student Academy of Audiology
Student Association for Graduates in Education
As a registered member of a graduate organization, you have
access to travel and event funding from the Graduate Student
Government.
Interested in a group not listed above? Creating a new student
organization has never been easier! Please visit our website for
more details http://www.uakron.edu/gsg/index.dot
Activities
Our activities are categorized into Six major areas:
(a) Academics (we sponsor conference presenters
and attendees, Research, Innovativeness)
(b) Social Engagements and Networking Programs
(c) Advocacy (e.g. Student Health Insurance)
(d) Community Outreach (Akron Food Bank,
University Park Alliance, SpringFest)
(e) Partnerships and Collaboration with the
Undergraduate Student Government (USG),
National Association of Graduate Professionals
Students (NAGPS)
(f) Entrepreneurial initiatives (Hoisting of the flags,
awarding distinguished leaders, Conference
Presentation Portfolios)
Projects & Programs
Highlights of some of our programs and projects
include:
(a) Students Travel Grants Initiative
 Professional Enrichment Program (PEG)
Up to $150 and $300
 Group Travel Up to $2000
 Special Project Funds
 Research Grants
(b) Central Committee Meetings (college senators
and department representative)
(c) Campus-Wide Meetings : Everybody has a
voice
(d) Representation in the Board of Trustees
(e) Representation in The University Council
(f) Representation in the faculty Senate
(g) Representation in various sub-committees
26th Annual NAGPS National Conference
November 1–4, 2012, Duke University, Durham, NC
RECOGNIZING
ANOTHER GSG
SPONSOR
Candace Campbell Jackson
VP and Chief of Staff
Conference attendees: Mohammed Eltayeb; Chris Opoku-Agyeman;
Shamima Jahan and Jamie Parker
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Recap of GSG’s Social Event with the Administrators
The Annual Graduate Students’ Social Engagement with the School’s Administrators which was started by the previous
administration took a novel twist with the current administration. With the number of graduate attendees increasing from 70
for the previous year to 200, we believe this initiative has come to stay. With this great stride in promoting students’ interest
and participation, we are hopeful that the Graduate Student Government is adequately engaging and representing students in
all purposeful matters and activities on campus. The annual social engagement event will continue to be a major activity to
unite both new and old graduate students in the University community and will include orientation, meet and greet, luncheon,
familiarization with the school’s administrators and networking.
The 2012 Annual Graduate Students’ Social Engagement was held at the University of Akron Infocision Stadium (5th floor) FirstMerit Foundation Club Level on Friday, September 14, 2012, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm. Special dignitaries of the
University’s administration honored our invitation including Dr. Proenza (President), Dr. Sherman (Provost), Dr. Newkome
(VP for Research & Dean of the Graduate School), Jim Tressel (VP of Strategic Engagement), Lee Gill, J.D (Assoc VP
Inclusion & Equity/CDO), Dr. Tausig (Professor & Associate Dean of the Graduate School), and Denine Rocco (Associate
VP and Dean of Students). We also hosted the warmest presence of some students from John Carroll University. Several
topics were emphasized to encourage, inform and challenge our youthful minds to think about our personal development and
opportunities available in advancing the world for our generation.
The Executives of the Graduate Student Government wants to express their profound gratitude to all students whose
participation, contributions and tremendous supports made this event a memorable one. Have in mind that The University of
Akron’s future belongs to YOU and we must dare to vent to make a difference wherever we find ourselves.
“If you want to know what is down the road, ask someone who is coming back; stop complaining about your problems and
find ways to fix them” (Confucius ); and "Making a difference in people's lives - and seeing it with your own eyes - is perhaps
the most satisfying thing you’ll ever do. If you want to fully enjoy life - give. "And if ...you want to do something for your
children and show how much you love them, the single best thing - by far - is to support organizations that will create a better
world for them and their children." (Michael Bloomberg)
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Recap of Spring 2012 Leadership Summit with Dr. Proenza
At the beginning of our legacy of change in bridging the gap between academics and professional career for students at large, the current
administration put together a monthly or bi-monthly “Leadership Symposium” to invited selected distinguished personalities from the
University campus and the community to share their background experiences to help students shape their youthful minds in career
choices, networking building, leadership, knowledge of skills and abilities needed to connect with employers and potential partners, family
orientations and other extra curriculum activities. By this initiative, we believe students will be inspired and empowered to harness and
unleash their God given potentials to enable them experience the pleasure of accomplishment and build up a mindset of winning in life.
This novel leadership program is the first of its kind, which is aimed at unearthing the capabilities within the student to transform their
way of thinking to a more productive way of making decisions. Not just that, but also, to change the fabric of society by causing a
paradigm shift in the right choice making through guidance and development to student as they are faced with challenging issues. The
first leadership symposium hosted The University of Akron President -Dr. Luis M Proenza and was held at the Faculty Lounge (Student
Union, 227) on November, 30th 2012. About 60 students participated in the event with free foods and drinks in abundance to every
attendee. The feedbacks gotten so far indicate that perceptions were changed, ideas were birth, attitudes were reshaped and lives were
greatly impacted. The Executives of the Graduate Student Government warmly want to express their gratitude to Dr. Proenza for making
us feel appreciated, intelligent, hopeful, creative, talented, loved, uplifted, excited and happy as though we can be a success at anything we
attempt. We also want to appreciate all participants for showing up in your numbers to grace the occasion.
Our Second Leadership symposium is set to take off on February, 22, 2013, with Mr. Jim Tressel, Vice President for Strategic
Engagement. We entreat all and sundaries to participate in this event.
“Change your focus, from making money to serving more people. Serving more people makes the money comes in.”–Robert Kiyosaki.
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Upcoming Events
GSG Spring 2013
***Leadership Symposium***
with
GSG/USG Handing-Over
Ceremony
(April, 2013)
GSG Elections
(February, 2013)
Mr. Jim Tressel
Date: February, 22th 2013
Venue: Goodyear Auditorium - Room 229
Department of Polymer Science
Time: 1:45pm –3:15pm
Women’s History Month
(March, 2013)
Black History Month
(February, 2013)
The LIFE (Legacy, Integrity, Fellowship and Excellence) Awards
(March, 2013)
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
SpringFest
(May 3, 2013)
GSG’s Awards and Recognition Portfolios
Honoring: Dr. Luis M. Proenza
President
Honoring: Jim Tressel
VP of Strategic Engagement
Honoring: Dr. Charley Fey
(Former, VP for Student Engagement). Now the VP of
Student Engagement, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Honoring: Lee A. Gill, J.D
Assoc VP Inclusion & Equity/CDO
Honoring: Dr. William Mike Sherman
Provost
Honoring: Dr. George R. Newkome
VP for Research & Dean of the Graduate School
Honoring: Denine M. Rocco
Associate VP and Dean of Students
Honoring: Dr. Mark B. Tausig
Professor & Associate Dean of the Graduate School
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters
Executives and Contact Info
Chris Opoku-Agyeman
(President)
Doctoral Candidate, Public Administration
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 330-798-2428
Alvaro Rodriguez
(Vice President)
Doctoral Student, Chemical Engineering
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 773-799-5016
Meet Your Senators
Shamima Jahan
(Secretary)
Masters’ of Public Administration
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 347-891-8671
Kow Eshun
(Treasurer)
Doctoral Student, Civil Engineering
Email: [email protected]
Tel: 310-774-1716
University Council Committee
Representatives
Merissa Coleman *
College of Creative & Professional Arts
[email protected]
Athletics & Recreation
 Brian Anderson - [email protected]
 Caleb Clark - [email protected]
Yusheng Chen *
College of Arts and Sciences
[email protected]
Budget, Finance & Benefits
 Christian Djin Fiagbedzi [email protected]
 Kow Okyere Eshun - [email protected]
Sandeep Akki *
College of Business
[email protected]
Communications
 Steve Sedlock - [email protected]
 Srikanth Marchetty - [email protected]
Chris Baker *
College of Engineering
[email protected]
Information Technology
 Alvaro Rodriguez - [email protected]
 Alicia Sochacka - [email protected]
Tracee McClain *
College of Health Sciences and Human Services
[email protected]
Physical Environment
 Julie Hykes - [email protected]
 Chris Stimler - [email protected]
Public Affairs and Development
 Kelly Low - [email protected]
 Naveen Kumar Gadamsetty [email protected]
Mohamad Saab *
College of Education
[email protected]
Research
 Cristina Gonzalez - [email protected]
 Mohammed Eltayeb - [email protected]
Office Location
The University of Akron
Student Union Room 135D
Akron, OH 44325-4601
Phone: 330-972-6640
Please contact us to schedule a meeting!
Follow us on:
Student Engagement and Success
 Holly Mothes - [email protected]
 Dennis Bryan - [email protected]
Talent Development & Human Resources
 Satish Jatain - [email protected]
 Kelsey Risman - [email protected]
Visibility, Presence & Engagement of Students in Purposeful Matters